“The city of Hamilton considers Sustain Brand to be in breach of the agreement due to the lack of effort at promoting the sale and distribution of city of Hamilton water,” the letter reads.
But Matthew Kennedy, president of Sustain Brand, touched base with Collins on April 28. Kennedy said Thursday he’s been meeting with stores in the area for possible negotiations.
“It’s good news; we’re moving forward with them,” Collins said. “I’m just glad to hear he’s back in the game.”
Collins said no reason was cited for the break in communication.
In addition to Sustain Brand’s efforts, the city will be marketing its water to other distributors — with the name “Hamilton on Tap.” But per the agreement with Sustain, the city can’t compete in stores where Sustain sells, Collins said.
Around 50,000 bottles were ordered to get the project started. The bottle labels were approved by the Ohio Department of Agriculture and will be purchased through Fairfield-based Kopco Graphics, Inc.
Collins is hopeful the water will be in stores by May. Pricing for distributors will be around 35 cents, and bottles will be sold in packs of six.
“There’s some money in it for profit,” Collins said, “But it would take a long time to make back the money we’ve invested.”
Hamilton's water was named best in the world at the 2009 and 2010 Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting competition.
Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2179 or hpoturalski@coxohio.com.
About the Author